375th plans shaping up

Barnstable’s 375th anniversary celebration plans are coming together with several subcommittees appointed and event dates scheduled.

Susan Vaughn

Committee working on special events, fundraising and a website

Barnstable’s 375th anniversary celebration plans are coming together with several subcommittees appointed and event dates scheduled.

Jessica Rapp Grassetti, chairwoman of the 375th committee, said a meeting Jan. 15 was well attended and it was decided that 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday was the best time for all attendees. The next full committee meeting will be Feb. 19 at the Town Hall.

Ralph Krau volunteered to co-chair the anniversary finale – a town picnic Sept. 21 at Aselton Park on Hyannis Harbor. The first official event will be a town seal rededication ceremony on Sunday, May 4, in Barnstable Village. The time has not been set.

That event will be followed by a big townwide kickoff with music, readings, flag raising and ceremonial activities starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, on the Hyannis Village Green

The committee also heard a presentation this week on merchandising anniversary items and a fundraising meeting to discuss the logistics will be held on Jan. 22, Rapp Grassetti said.

The villages and their historical societies are planning special events during the summer at dates to be announced. West Barnstable Historical Society will display photos and art and hold the premiere of the West Barnstable Remembered photo history book on July 22. The exhibit will run through July 27 at the Old Selectmen’s Building.

The anniversary also will be commemorated at other annual summer events, such as the Hyannnis Area Chamber of Commerce Father’s Day car show; the town’s July 4th parade, when a pipe band and chamber choir from England will perform; Centerville Old Home Week, the Regatta Ball at the Mosquito Yacht Club; and Pops by the Sea.

A trip to England, including the town’s namesake, Barnstaple, is scheduled for Sept. 5 to 14.

A calendar of all anniversary and related events will be posted on the separate anniversary website, www.Barnstable375.com, which is up and running, Rapp Grassetti said.

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